Cultivating confident and curious learners

October 2013

Blogs have become one of the most powerful ways for parents to share and connect with one another online. Whether you’re looking for information, entertainment, or a little bit of both, here are some of our favorite parent blogs to follow. 1. Most likely to inspire you: Enjoying the Small Things – With a knack for writing and an eye for photography, Kelle Hampton blogs about loving and living with five kids in Naples, FL. She writes with honesty and optimism on everything from DIY holiday crafts to raising a daughter with special needs.

Are you looking for some quick math and language arts review? Would you like to demonstrate a concept on the electronic white board with your students? Are you curious about the variety of question types IXL provides? Take advantage of our free practice problems! For anyone who wishes to get a taste of what IXL offers, we’re happy to provide 20 free problems per subject, per day on IXL. See how our SmartScore works and watch as questions adapt based on your responses, becoming easier if you get stuck on a skill and harder as you excel. You can even switch from one topic or grade level to another. To start, simply go to www.ixl.com and pick a skill!

Parents, don’t let Halloween sneak up on you…Avoid the last-minute costume panic and start planning ahead now with these helpful resources! 1. It’s All About the Outfit – What is Halloween all about, if not finding the perfect costume? Spoonful.com offers a wide selection of costumes ideas for girls and boy, from silly to spooky. 2. To Wear or Not to Wear? – It’s safe to say that many of the costumes marketed to young women today aren’t exactly parent-approved. Are they cause for concern, or something to simply put up with for one night a year? This article from Huffington Post explores both sides of the issue. 3. Skip the Sugar Rush – Do your kids bring Halloween candy home by the pillowcase? Avoid the negative effects of too much sugar with these smart tips.

You’re probably familiar with our elementary and middle school math content, but did you know IXL is taking on high school? Students who practice Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 skills on IXL will encounter not only more complex subject matter but also more sophisticated problem types to keep them challenged and engaged in learning.

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Unified School District generated major buzz when they announced a $30-million initiative to put iPads in the hands of each of its 650,000 K-12 students. Last week, they made headlines again when nearly 300 high school students managed to bypass the security restrictions that tracked online activities and prevented students from accessing certain sites.